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Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Fairfax, VA – The National Rifle Association (NRA) today filed
suit against the State of Washington charging it in violation of
the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution by
preventing firearm ownership to non-United States citizens
legally residing in the U.S.
“The actions of Washington State are denying honest,
hard-working men and women equal protection under the law, as
held in the U.S. Constitution," said Chris W. Cox, NRA’s chief
lobbyist. “Under current law, these law-abiding residents are
now subject to arrest, seizure of their firearms and possible
deportation. NRA will always stand on the side of law-abiding
individuals and the protection of their inherent right to self
defense.”
Washington State’s law is unique in making it a felony for any
non-citizen, including lawful permanent residents, to possess a
firearm without having first obtained an Alien Firearms License
(AFL). A license is not required for possession of a firearm in
Washington State by U.S. citizens.
Further, for more than a decade, AFLs have been easy to obtain
and renew by legal non-citizens. However, due to a recent change
in administrative procedures, AFLs can no longer be renewed,
denying lawful firearms ownership.
NRA is asking the Court to find the Alien Firearm License
requirement unconstitutional.
The suit was filed in US District Court for the Western District
of Washington. The Second Amendment Foundation of Bellevue,
Washington, is joining with NRA in filing the suit.
Cox concluded, “Every law abiding resident has the right to self
defense. When these residents are prevented from protecting
themselves or their families, the NRA deems it necessary to step
in and defend this inherent freedom.”
Copyright 2008, National Rifle Association
of America, Institute for Legislative Action.
This may be reproduced. It may not be reproduced for commercial
purposes.
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